Article Comments - 2007- '08 Compact Crossovers Comparison Test

47 messages, Last post on Oct 09, 2007 at 5:06 AM

You are in the SUVs Forum. Your Hosts are steve_ & tidester

What is this discussion about? Honda CR-V, Nissan Rogue, Toyota RAV4, Mitsubishi Outlander, Car Comparisons, SUV

2007-'08 Compact Crossovers Comparison Test - These small crossovers are evolving into niches just as distinct as you'll find in the car market. There are practical ones, sporting ones, tough ones and comfortable ones. We've brought together the 2007 Honda CR-V, 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander, 2008 Nissan Rogue and 2007 Toyota RAV4. All share a gestalt of efficiency and social responsibility, yet each has a unique set of qualities and options. (more)

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#22 of 47 Good Observations/Comments, Disagree with Rankings by donnaaries Sep 13, 2007 (2:38 pm)
I think Edmunds was right on with the commentary in this review, but I disagree with the rankings (even basing them just on the observations on the vehicles in this article). For a $30k vehicle, I agree that the RAV-4 obviously came out on top for this comparison. However, 2-4 should have been Outlander, Rogue, & CRV. Here's the thing, people buy CUVs for convenience. It's not a sports car, it's not an off roading monster, it's suppose to be a vehicle that delivers a little of both these worlds while maintening fair fuel economy at an affordable price. If gas was free, we'd all be out there buying massive SUV's and. If passenger and cargo space were not concerns, we'd be buying Corvettes and such. The fact that the Honda CRV cannot even pass the tiny dirt ability test in this comparison puts it at the bottom of this list. Why buy the CUV? Why not just buy a large sedan? A little bit (even just a tiny bit) of off roading capability draws the buyer to the versatility of a CUV. I'm not going mudding off of a steep mountain but it'd be nice to take this thing on a ski trip. Lack of cargo room, in my opinion, is another huge no no for a CUV. Again, if it wasn't for the cargo room, why not buy a nice sedan? Why buy a CUV? Lack of cargo room would put the Rogue in 3rd place. The Outlander offers both these things that the CRV and the Rogue lacks, but not in as good of a package as the RAV-4 (though you do get the Nav system in this case). So Outlander would come out 2nd place, then RAV-4. I own an Outlander. For 30k I would've considered a RAV-4 (except I do think the rear is ugly). But with a 23k budget, I got a Mitsubishi Outlander XLS with the SMARTkey system, Bluetooth, 18" wheels, etc. etc. These are things you can't get with a Honda or Toyota at 23k. This test doesn't take into account the fact that people pretty much pay sticker price for Hondas and Toyotas since they're in such high demand. However, with Mitsus you can get a vehicle for much less than sticker (sometimes even lower than invoice price), which makes them a heck of a lot more affordable (and it'll come with more features). One thing you forget to rank in this article is warranty. It is something that's important in a consumer's purchasing decision. Mitsu offers the best warranty of the bunch. That shows a manufacturer who stands behind their product and offers the consumer some peace of mind. Just my two cents. Can't understand why Outlander was 4th despite the fact that all the Editors seemed to have loved it. Replies to this message: chelentano (Sep 13, 2007 6:01 pm) donnaaries (Sep 13, 2007 7:45 pm) chelentano (Sep 14, 2007 7:08 pm) and 1 more...
#23 of 47 Re: Where Are The Americans? [tidester] by rf600r Sep 13, 2007 (2:56 pm)
Replying to: tidester (Sep 12, 2007 7:32 pm) That's silly. It was a ranking of a set of four vehicles out of collection of four vehicles. Nothing more, nothing less. That's an absurd justification, really. Given the overall cheerleader tone of the article for all four of the Japanese entries, and the conspicuous absense of any domestic competition, I think the implication is clear that these are the best models to consider. Which is just what you'd expect from Edmunds, really. Replies to this message: tidester (Sep 13, 2007 3:27 pm) rf600r (Sep 13, 2007 4:42 pm)
#24 of 47 Re: Where Are The Americans? [rf600r] by tidester HOST Sep 13, 2007 (3:27 pm)
Replying to: rf600r (Sep 13, 2007 2:56 pm) That's an absurd justification, really. It is not a justification. It is a statement of fact. The suggestion that there is any foreign versus domestic bias in the reviews is silly speculation. The preamble at the top of this page makes it clear that four specific vehicles are being reviewed. Adding the names of all four vehicles in the title of the page would be unwieldy. If you have further issues with your perception of bias then please take it to email and reserve the Forum for discussing the vehicles and the substance of the reviews. Otherwise, feel free to scroll on. Thanks. tidester, host SUVs and Smart Shopper Replies to this message: rf600r (Sep 13, 2007 4:42 pm)
#25 of 47 Re: Article Comments - 2007--"08 Compact Crossovers Comparison Test [blufz1] by actualsize Sep 13, 2007 (3:43 pm)
Replying to: blufz1 (Sep 13, 2007 8:34 am) Right! If toy would get rid of the impractical swinging gate w/ a 40 lb spare on it rear door. Also, those stupid mpg robbing,wind noise inducing, roof racks the dealers install on every unit. Then I would consider a RAV. I ain't buyin' old tech/low tech. Consider this: The RAV4 has superior interior volume and an ultra-low liftover height precisely because it does not have a spare tire hung beneath the floor. And you get a full-sized spare instead of a mini-spare. Does 40lbs extra really mean much on a side-hinged door that's well-balanced? You're not lifting anything. For my money, the external spare tire is a visual distraction I'll gladly live with. Replies to this message: chelentano (Sep 13, 2007 6:20 pm)
#26 of 47 Re: Where Are The Americans? [tidester] by rf600r Sep 13, 2007 (4:42 pm)
Replying to: tidester (Sep 13, 2007 3:27 pm) If you have further issues with your perception of bias then please take it to email and reserve the Forum for discussing the vehicles and the substance of the reviews. I am discussing the substance of the reviews. Consider your concluding paragraph in the story: Finally, if you ever find yourself saying, "Sure, I'll take the upgrade," then the 2007 Toyota RAV4 is the best choice for you. It's the benchmark in this segment. It makes a statement with power, but it backs up the message with fuel economy. It rides well, yet goes anywhere. And it combines utility and carlike comfort in a way that fits in your life in every way. The other guys are catching up, but for now, the Toyota RAV4 is still the one to beat. By calling the RAV4 the "benchmark" and "the one to beat", one can only assume that this conclusion is valid based on a test of just these four vehicles. This is why I termed "absurd" your earlier justification, that "It was a ranking of a set of four vehicles out of collection of four vehicles. Nothing more, nothing less." If that were true, you could not possibly pick a complete category winner, which you obviously did. Whether it's evidence of bias or not is an issue that I'm sure will never be settled. I have my opinion, you have yours, others have theirs. But clearly, to pick a best of breed, you must have considered these the top contenders. How could you claim otherwise?
#27 of 47 Re: Good Observations/Comments, Disagree with Rankings [donnaaries] by chelentano Sep 13, 2007 (6:01 pm)
Replying to: donnaaries (Sep 13, 2007 2:38 pm) You have explained why the Outlander should be second, but you did not explain why RAV4 should be the first? In fact all you've said about it "the rear is ugly"? Replies to this message: donnaaries (Sep 13, 2007 7:45 pm) chelentano (Sep 14, 2007 7:08 pm) dodo2 (Sep 16, 2007 7:57 pm)
#28 of 47 Re: Article Comments - 2007--"08 Compact Crossovers Comparison Test [actualsize] by chelentano Sep 13, 2007 (6:20 pm)
Replying to: actualsize (Sep 13, 2007 3:43 pm) >> The RAV4 has superior interior volume and an ultra-low liftover height precisely because it does not have a spare tire hung beneath the floor. Ok, may be I could buy this as an advantage, but why Toyota did not change the door design for American market to swing it to the other side, so we could unload car on a curbside? This is an arrogance on Toytota's part. Why bother? These Americans will buy it anyway! They buy everything, especially with Toyota label. They even put in on the first place! No navigation, no bluetooth, no fast key, no xenon, lousy stereo, outdated 5-speed tranny, lower owner ratings, average warranty, door swings to the wrong side: what a "BENCHMARK"!!!
#29 of 47 Re: Good Observations/Comments, Disagree with Rankings [chelentano] by donnaaries Sep 13, 2007 (7:45 pm)
Replying to: chelentano (Sep 13, 2007 6:01 pm) By agreeing w/ the RAV4 being in first place I am implying that the RAV4 offers decent off roading capability (for a CUV) plus good cargo space with better acceleration and comfort than the Outlander. These are facts. However, I personally think the rear design is unattractive. But that is an opinion and people will view that differently. Replies to this message: chelentano (Sep 14, 2007 7:08 pm) dodo2 (Sep 16, 2007 7:57 pm)
#30 of 47 looks are not important by klas Sep 13, 2007 (11:11 pm)
Looks of CUVs were not taken in consideration in this particular review. The idea behind CUVs is practicality at lower price while offering decent gas mileage. Rav4 wins in the latter, but Outlander offers a lot more bang for your buck. I personally bought one for practicality first, then warranty and as a bonus I think it has great looks.
#31 of 47 read end on RAV-4 by prndldriver Sep 14, 2007 (3:24 pm)
The full size spare tire on the back of the Toyota means every time I would open the cargo area I'd also be moving a 40 lb tire. This is ridiculous, especially when this category is often suggested as a market of busy families I consider the tire problem a major design flaw and it makes me wonder what else is designed wrong with the vehicle. Who wants to move 40 pounds+ just to put two grocery bags inside? I do agree with the person who notes that if the RAV-4 is the benchmark that implies that it's the benchmark for the entire segment, not just these four CUVs. Sorry moderator. Unfortunately, I can't see how the testors could give it 'benchmark' status with the stupid spare tire design. What exactly are they looking for? How can they also give the Honda such high marks with the small engine that's really built for a Civic? It's also has a very bumpy ride. These two factors alone strike it from 'thinking person's' car in my book. The interior seems rather dull inside, too. I also find this to be a weird review as it includes the Nissan that's not even for sale yet. While I like the Outlander somewhat, it can get expensive really fast and the ride is still rather bumpy. At least it has a bigger engine.